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This one mistake screams “tourist.”
- An FBI agent shares how to avoid looking like a tourist while traveling, and the smart outfit choices to wear instead.
- Selling fast: Befen Anti-theft Leather Crossbody Bag, $43 (originally $47)
- Lowest price ever for Prime Day: Anrabess V-neck Tank Top, $9 (originally $19)
- About to sell out: Chouyatou Button-down Shirt Dress, $29 (originally $31)
- Flying off the shelves: Tronjori Wide-leg Palazzo Pants, $26 (originally $32)
No matter how long you’ve studied the local language or pored over travel guides, you’re bound to make a few missteps when you travel to another country. Besides the embarrassment, some mistakes can make you a target for potential thieves and pickpockets. Unfortunately, hunching over a map on the side of a busy street and mispronouncing a common greeting are two inevitabilities you can’t always prepare for, but a retired FBI agent says there’s one thing you absolutely can control that’ll help you blend in with the locals: your outfit.
Former FBI agent and U.S. Air Force veteran Steve Lazarus shared a TikTok video detailing the four habits that make American tourists stick out while abroad. The first mistake on his list revolved around clothing choices. In order to make yourself less of a target, he recommends you “take the time to research how the locals dress, and pack accordingly.” He also warns against wearing flashy graphic T-shirts or shirts that have logos from your favorite sports team. Ahead, we’ve outlined eight outfit choices that scream “tourist”—and the smart swaps that will make you stand out less. From anti-theft purses that look like chic handbags to polished trousers that feel more like comfy sweatpants, these styles are versatile, functional, and comfortable to boot—and prices start at just $8 during Amazon Prime Day.
Don’t wear: T-shirts with logos
Do wear: Simple basics
Anrabess V-neck Tank Top
Save 47%
According to Lazarus, graphic tees are a surefire way to get noticed—and targeted—when you’re abroad. Regional sports teams can instantly signal where you’re from and designer logos may seem flashy. Bold graphic designs of all kinds, really, are a common American trademark. Stick to plain, simple tank tops and tees instead. Not only will you get extra mileage out of them in regards to how many travel outfits you can create, but you’ll also blend in more with the folks who live and work where you’re traveling.
Zeagoo Short-sleeved Top | Easygala Ribbed Tank TopSave 33% |
Don’t wear: Chunky running shoes
Do wear: Low-profile sneakers
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers
Clunky running shoes—especially ones in neon colorways—can instantly signal you as an easy target to pickpockets. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack your hot pink Hokas for the trip, though; if you have a day hike or plan on clocking thousands of steps in one sitting, stick to your tried-and-true kicks. But for casual outings around the city, you’re better off sporting a low-profile design, like these Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 sneakers. This shoe has a trendy, retro-inspired silhouette that looks smart and intentional. Despite their minimal design, shoppers say they’re still plenty comfortable, too, with one sharing that they required “no break-in” period and gave them “no blisters.”
Skechers Hotshot Kick-off Sneaker | Adidas Men’s VL Court 3.0 SneakerSave 33% |
Don’t wear: Obvious anti-theft bags
Do wear: Understated purses
Vantamo Anti-theft Crescent Bag
Save 26%
Anti-theft backpacks, crossbody bags, and fanny packs are huge for maintaining peace of mind when traveling abroad. While these protective bags do a fine job at deterring thieves, many of them have designs that scream “tourist.” Amazon has several alternatives that provide security while still looking like a chic handbag. Take this Vantamo Anti-theft Crescent Bag for example—the best-selling clutch handbag is constructed with RFID-blocking material to shield your personal data from scanners, and it has an anti-pickpocket zipper clip that prevents anyone from sneaking a hand in. Plus, it can be worn as a clutch for an evening out or sported as a crossbody bag during the day.
Befen Anti-theft Leather Crossbody Bag | S-zone Anti-theft Rucksack |
Don’t wear: Leggings
Do wear: Comfy trousers
Tronjori Wide-leg Palazzo Pants
Save 18%
While activewear is acceptable (and quite commonplace!) to wear while on-the-go in the United States, the locals of most other countries would never be seen outside of the gym in a pair of leggings. Casually sporting leggings as a pair of pants can identify you as an easy target for thieves. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style, though—there are plenty of easy trousers on the market now that feel more like yoga pants. Case in point? These Tronjori Wide-leg Palazzo Pants. They’re constructed with all of the usual trappings of slacks, like belt loops, a zip closure, and functional pockets, but their “swishy” material provides the stretch and comfort of athleisure. And they’re just $26 now for Amazon Prime Day.
Faleave Wide-leg Linen PantsSave 24% | Anrabess Smocked Waist Palazzo PantsSave 39% |
Don’t wear: Overly baggy—or tight—clothes
Do wear: Styles that are sharp, but roomy
Chouyatou Button-down Shirt Dress
Much like leggings, certain tops—like cropped T-shirts and tight sport bras—can quickly signal that you’re a tourist. Baggy, oversized sweats and mid-drift tops are an American signature, whereas sharp, tailored attire is favored more across the pond. Elevated staples that are still roomy, like this button-down shirt dress, can help you better blend in with the locals. It’s flowy, oversized, and made with breathable, 100-percent cotton fabric, so it’ll keep you cool and comfortable on sticky summer days, too. Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished ensemble.
Dokotoo Chiffon BlouseSave 34% | Cflonge Trouser ShortsSave 37% |
Don’t wear: Tropical swimsuit coverups
Do wear: Versatile beach attire
Fisoew Beach Cover-up Dress
If your go-to swimsuit cover-up involves a Tommy Bahamas print, consider upgrading to something more stylish and understated. Brightly-colored and casual beach attire is a no-fail way to get flagged as a vulnerable tourist while abroad. A good rule of thumb is to approach the pool and beach with the same mindset as you would the city streets: choose comfortable, elevated, and versatile pieces. This gorgeous crochet cover-up dress is a fabulous choice. The crochet material provides airflow and helps you dry off quickly after a swim, while the V-neckline and midi length provide just the right amount of modesty. And because the open-knit design is less see-through than other styles, shoppers say you can confidently wear it out to lunch without a second thought.
Niftriry Crochet 2-piece Outfit | Tankaneo 2-piece Skirt Set |
Don’t wear: Tracksuits
Do wear: Polished matching sets
Grecerelle 2-piece Matching Set
There’s nothing quite as easy as a matching set when traveling—but steer clear of loungewear and activewear, if you want to fly under the radar of pickpockets. Just like leggings and hoodies, matching tracksuits and workout sets signal that you are a tourist, since they aren’t typically worn out in public abroad. For the summer months, a breezy linen set like this option from Grecerelle is a better alternative. It’s still built with comfort in mind, thanks to the flowy material and stretchy elastic waist bands of the pants and top, but has a simple cut that can be dressed up or down easily.
Anrabess 2-piece /Outfit | Exlura 2-piece Skirt SetSave 30% |
Don’t wear: Flimsy, plastic flip-flops
Do wear: Leather sandals
Franco Sarto Loran Slide Sandal
Plastic flip-flops are fine for the beach or pool in a pinch, but if you plan on wearing them for activities away from the water, make sure they’re stylish enough to suit your casual outfits, too. As previously mentioned, clothes with bright colors and logos are a dead giveaway that you’re probably visiting from out of the country; and a pair of flimsy, newly-bought flip-flops drives this message home, as it’s clear you purchased them specifically for the trip you’re on. A sleek pair of leather sandals, like the $14 Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-flops will seamlessly blend in with your travel wardrobe while offering the convenience of a throw-on-and-go pair of flip-flops. For a dressier option, the Franco Sarto Loran Slides are heralded by a Travel+Leisure writer who recently wore them all over Europe with zero foot pain.
Kuailu Yoga Mat Flip-flopsSave 30% | Dream Pairs Arch Support Thong SandalsSave 20% |
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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
